How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying SR. at
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House

Cast & Crew Bios

CAST BIOS

Sal Anzalone (Peterson/Ovington) is a playwright as well as film actor. His most celebrated one-act play is Marvin's Fetish – a two character psychological thriller that won a Tennessee Williams Literary Award in 2009. As a film actor, Sal appears in the 2022 IMDB film, Portrait of a Street Gigolo. Sal believes dreams have no expiration dates.

Sue Brinnitzer (Miss Jones) played Little Red Riding Hood in Lenox Hill Neighborhood House's Pilot production of Into the Woods SR., and subsequently in the chorus of City Center's Encores production of ITW. She has performed with the Out of the Box Theatre Company and St. Jean's Players. Sue is delighted to be back at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House and to be part of this fun production. Thanks to Vivienne, Kevin, Christina, Hannah and Sarah. 

Joanne D'Auria (Secretary) is new to the stage and is thrilled to be joining the talented cast of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying SR. Recently retired from Brooklyn Botanic Garden as School Workshop Coordinator and Horticultural Therapist, Joanne continues to volunteer by engaging with children and adults, especially those with disabilities, about the joys of gardening and spending time in nature. She is grateful for the support of her family and friends and to be part of this Lenox Hill Neighborhood House production. She's ready for the next chapter and hoping it will be a page turner!

Julie Down (TV Announcer/Personnel) After a successful career in corporate finance and commercial real estate, Julie Down is now joyfully pursuing her passion for the stage. Her recent performances include The Vagina Monologues, The Music Man SR., Guys and Dolls SR., The Furries, and Singing in the Rain SR., where she was honored to play Lina Lamont. She has also performed scene work from Baby with the Bathwater, Six Degrees of Separation, and Agnes of God. She dedicates this performance to her beloved mother, who passed away in July 2023 and father who passed away in July 2025.

Ronnye Halpern (Rosemary) This is Ronnye’s fourth musical production at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House and first as a leading lady. She is thrilled to finally be an ingenue at almost 80 years old. Ronnye actually was a secretary in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying 40 years ago in a production on Roosevelt Island, where she has lived for almost 50 years. She thanks the production staff and fellow performers for all their support. Ronnye is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and works as a grief and trauma counsellor. A member of the Lenox Hill Legends improvisational comedy troupe, she has also performed as a background actor on TV.

Robin Jacobson (J. Pierrepont Finch) Robin has a background in improv comedy, stand-up/performance art and full-length comedies and dramas. She appeared in the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House productions of The Music Man SR. (Winthrop), Guys and Dolls SR. (Benny Southstreet) and Singin’ in the Rain SR. (Dana Bailey). Robin participated in the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House project Resiliency: Parts II and III.  She performed in the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House production of New York Stories: Empire State of Tales. In addition, she is a member of the Lenox Hill Legends, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House’s in-house improv troupe. To Nancy, as always, with gratitude. In memory of Biggie Smalls.

Hedy Kellerman (Secretary) After retiring from a 30+ year career as a Manhattan Real Estate Broker, I took Acting and Dance classes at Saint Peter's Church Older Adult Center. I was hooked. I've appeared in Lenox Hill Neighborhood House’s Spring Musical Productions of Into the Woods SR. (wicked step-sister); The Music Man SR. (salesman); Guys and Dolls SR. (gambler). I was a part of Into the Woods Revival (off Broadway NYC Center 2022) as a member of a multi-generational group aged 8-86 years. The next item on my Bucket List: Desert camel ride at dusk followed by a picnic dinner.

Gerry Kelly (J.B. Biggley), NYC native, has appeared in numerous productions over the last twenty years, including four at SAGE NYC, “Food For Thought” at the Jefferson Library and ABOARD The Raging Queen at TADA! Youth Theater. He also performed in Tartuffe in Times Square. In 2022 he appeared in an Improv showcase in Florida. He is in the Lenox Hill Legends Improv Troupe and has appeared in Resiliency Project, Stoop Stories and Singin’ in the Rain SR. here at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. In April he appeared in Ibsen’s The Wild Duck at Hudson Guild. He believes that the best support system is forged from within.

Jacques Latalon (Gatch) Born in Paris, Jacques graduated from the Université of Panthéon-Sorbonne in Economics. After a successful banking career in Africa, he switched gears to follow his passion: music. While teaching at the Lycée Français de New York, he inspired thousands of young children with his unique bilingual approach to music, movement and song. As pianist, singer & cornetist, Jacques is now dedicating his time to the Joy of performing and composing.

Tony Lentini (Mr. Twimble/Womper) How to succeed in (show) business...?....well, Tony suggests you get yourself to the Lenox Hill Neighborhood Playhouse where they're putting on a show with a familiar name this spring. He's delighted to appear again in one of their stellar productions after Singin' in the Rain SR. and Guys and Dolls SR. the years before. Tony has also performed at Hudson Guild (Uncle Vanya, The Furies and 150 Years, 150 Plays) and many productions with the UFT Players, most recently, Jason's Brilliant Career. Tony is ever grateful to live in this time and place where so many opportunities exist to nurture his interests in theater and performance.

Shuping Lu (Miss Krumholtz) is thrilled to join the cast of this production. As a newcomer to the musical stage, she is excited to grow and challenge herself through performance. She is especially grateful for the support of the creative team. Originally from China, she came to the United States as a young adult and has embraced new opportunities along the way. She has a lifelong curiosity and passion for learning, loves traveling and reading, as well as dancing. She hopes you enjoy the performance.

Camille Marshall (Bratt) hails from Greenfield, Indiana. Graduated from Marian College with a BA in Theatre & English Literature, and a MA in Speech Communication & Theatre from the University of Michigan. Studied Acting with Zina Jasper, Loyd Williamson, Stephen Strimpell, Bill Hickey, George Morrison, Kathryn Gately, & Anthony Naylor. Off-Off Broadway experience: Working Stage Company, Promethean Theatre Co., Blunt Theatre Co. & 42nd St. Players, to name a few. Cofounder of Metropolitan Stage Company and Co-founder of Or Else Productions. Lenox Hill Neighborhood House is a gem of a discovery. Love you Frick!

Ellen Orchid (Secretary) was on The Sopranos as Dr. Sharon Zalutsky (episode 48). She has done many Equity showcases and was in Tony N Tina’s Wedding. She did two original solo shows: Punchlines and Prozac and Rest In Pieces. Her plays include Prescriptions and Adjustments. Tovah Feldshuh, a Broadway veteran, did a reading of Adjustments and we’re seeking a producer(s). She wrote a bio of her grandfather Jacob Weinberg, Musical Pioneer (available on Amazon) www.EllenOrchid.com

Josephine Pomiès (Smitty) is thrilled to play Smitty in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying SR. Josephine enjoys the challenge of appearing before a live audience. Her film credits include Blue Bloods with Tom Selleck, and in theatre, she played the verbally abused mother in Margo's Consent, a play by Sal Anzalone. For Josephine, acting is a welcome relief from the demands and unpredictability of daily life.

Annette Renschowicz (Personnel) is an advocate for protecting stray animals, is extremely excited to join the talented How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying SR. cast. When caregiving full-time for a spouse with Alzheimer's, the Hospice Team asked Annette about her next chapter. She wanted to pursue acting classes. Previous theatrical productions include Into The Woods (New York City Center Encores), The Music Man SR., Guys and Dolls SR. and Singin’ in the Rain SR. (Lenox Hill Neighborhood House). Other credits include TV’s Pose with Billy Porter, CaringKind’s Caregiver Storyteller Podcast, The Isle of Wight 1970, and the book Faithful Friends (Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data). Annette worked for the NYC Department of Education as a teacher's assistant for children of special needs. Annette loves to travel and currently lives in Brooklyn with her three cats.

Ric Suarez (Tackaberry) The Cultural Festival at Saint Peter’s; An Ensemble of Scenes and Monologues, done at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House; and Some Like It Hot/Chicago, also done at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House with Sylvia Pilar. Ric did a piece called Scenes from Broadway Productions, directed by Franklin Engel. He wrote a very short play called Mind If I Join You. Ric has been doing performance work at various libraries under the guidance of Equity Library Theatre. At Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, he played the Mayor in The Music Man SR, and was the lead in Singin’ in the Rain SR.

Pamela Trester (Secretary/Personnel) My love of musical theater began as a child and continues to be a great source of joy in my life.  Choruses: Broadway at 92NY Chorus, Encore Chorale of NYC West. Cabarets: The Triad, Don’t Tell Mama. Theater: New York City Center, Into the Woods; Hudson Guild, The Vagina Monologues; Lenox Hill Neighborhood House: The Music Man SR., Guys & Dolls SR. (Miss Adelaide – my dream role!), Singin’ in the Rain SR. Much gratitude to our wonderful production team and Lenox Hill Neighborhood House for making it possible for older adults to strut their stuff! Love to my husband, Sal!

Cynthia Gale Valdes (Hedy) is delighted to return to Lenox Hill Neighborhood House’s 2026 Spring musical production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying SR. in the comedic role of Hedy La Rue. In 2025 she performed here as Zelda Zanders and again in 2024 as the infamous Lieutenant Brannigan. In August 2025, at the Short Play Festival in the Harvey Fierstein Theatre @Lincoln Center, Cynthia appeared as Clare Truth Purdy in the Christopher Woods play Dear Doctor. Cynthia appears with the Fifth Avenue Players, in the series of updated (NYT’s) Metropolitan Diaries. And with The Monologue Table @ QED, Astoria. A member of Equity Library Theatre. “I would not be living my dreams without the performing and visual arts programs here @ Lenox Hill Neighborhood House.”

Linda Wang (Secretary) I’m a performing artist. I’m a singer competing at international vocal competition this April, have been singing operatic arias by Mozart, Verdi, Bellini, Schumann, and Bach for 22 years, sing Broadway music, such as Pie Jesu by Andrew Lloyd Webber, perform musical improv monthly with team Extra Credit, comedy improv with teams: You are not alone, Circuit, Asians Do Improv, and Stars and Hearts at Magnet Theatre. Furthermore, I’m a dancer, performing in a belly dance show in 2025, debuted my writing, dance and singing work in the Resiliency Project at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House in February 2026.

Susan Weisser (Secretary) When I retired from Education, acting was on my bucket list. I took classes at N.Y.U and was fortunate to be taught by Lawrence Gerwitz where I learned the value of writing meaningful backstories, being in the zone and actually "becoming" the characters I played. This led to my acting in the Fourth Wall Workshops at the Producers Club in the theatre district in New York City. I loved it. Kudos to Laurence and to all acting teachers who give their students the tools to feel their parts and to succeed.

Warren Wyss (Bud Frump) is delighted to perform for the third time in a musical theater production at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. He has performed with several community theater groups, especially the UFT Players, where he not only has acted and sung in their productions, but was given opportunities to produce, direct, and write plays. Best of all is the community spirit and friendship that each theatrical experience offers wherever he volunteers.

Barbara Zwiebel (Secretary): Brand new to performing in a musical, I am delighted to be a part of this creative production of How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. I have had the pleasure of participating in Lenox Hill Neighborhood House’s varied performing arts programs for the past two years, taking acting classes under the direction of teacher Kerri Evans, acting in its comedic improv troupe, as well as taking piano and dance classes. It is gratifying to be part of this production directed by such a multifaceted and talented team.

CREATIVE TEAM BIOS

Michelle David (Assistant Musical Director) is a music teacher and performer at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. She teaches music at the Early Childhood Center and older adult programs, and also performs music at the CARE Program, Casa Mutua supportive housing residence and Women’s Mental Health Shelter. Outside of work, she composes music for a variety of music ensembles nationwide. She attended SUNY Geneseo for her bachelor's in music composition and piano pedagogy, and she’s pursuing her master’s in music composition at CUNY Hunter College.

Kerri Evans (Assistant Director), a graduate of The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University (MFA, Acting) has been the Drama Teacher at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House since 2017. In addition to teaching classes, Kerri is the creator of the Lenox Hill Legends Improv Troupe and co-creator of the Resiliency Project. She’s also a private acting coach and enjoys writing plays. WEIGHT, which she wrote and starred in, was featured in multiple NYC play festivals. Kerri thanks her family (her biggest fans) for their unwavering support! She’s grateful to be working with this immensely talented cast and brilliant creative team.

Kevin Hull (Music Director) is excited to return for his fifth musical production at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. In addition to music directing, he teaches piano and guitar lessons and performs around the city. When he's not making music, he also makes independent films, animations and internet nonsense under the name Kevin Y. His newest short film, Upstairs, will be premiering later this year, and his play Oh, Francis! was performed by the St. Jean’s Players earlier this year.

Christina Iervoline (Stage Manager) is beyond thrilled to return for her second Lenox Hill Neighborhood House production. Born in Pennsylvania, she received her BA in Theatre & Performing Arts from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, then moved to NYC in 2012. Her teaching journey began with Pilates and yoga instruction. Founder of impromptYOU Studio (creative workspace), she provides event entertainment and performing arts coaching to adults and children locally and beyond. She aspires to collaborate with more dynamic artistic communities as a teaching artist and performer. Christina forever treasures her family’s loving support, as well as this electrifying cast and crew! “Plan to rise.”

Vivienne Claire Luthin (Director) is returning for her second production with Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. Vivienne has dedicated her life to teaching and directing theater that transforms artists and communities through curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. In addition to directing, Vivienne is lead teacher for Broadway Rise and musical choreographer for Columbia Prep. Recent directorial credits: The Lightning Thief TYA (Broadway Rise), Singin’ in the Rain SR. (Lenox Hill Neighborhood House), A Year with Frog and Toad (Piknik Theatre), Matilda Jr. (Steamboat Springs MS), Peter Pan (Community Collaboration), The Music Man Kids! and Annie Kids! (Choreography for Columbia Prep). vivienneclaireluthin.com

Hannah Swanson (Choreographer) Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Hannah trained locally and danced professionally with Pulse Dance Company for two years. Hannah holds a BA in Dance and a Masters in Arts Administration, combining her love for arts education and advocacy. Hannah has been teaching and dancing in NYC for over 9 years and joined Lenox Hill Neighborhood House in 2019. She has been proud to be a part of classes and multiple performing arts opportunities. This is her second time choreographing for the MTI musical.

Sarah Walko (Producer) is an artist, director, curator and writer. She has her MA degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design and BA from the University of Maryland. She is currently the Director of Visual and Performing Arts at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, and she has directed non-profit arts organizations for twenty years. Her visual art has been included in exhibitions at galleries all around New York, on Governors Island, at the Queens Museum of Art and at The Museum of Nature in Canada, among other places. She has been a NYFA Immigrant Artist Mentor for five years and is a contributing writer in four anthologies. She is proud of and grateful to the cast and creative team who brought all of their talents and brave hearts and souls to this production!

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

When How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying appeared on Broadway in 1961, the story of a man rising to the top of the corporate ladder, without credentials or experience, was a tale of absurdity and hilarity. A playful take on the world of businessmen and corporate America. Its larger-than-life characters, witty banter, infectious music, and unique style won the production 7 Tony Awards and a Pulitzer.

In the political world we currently live in, this tale has become reality.

While our show is set in the 1960s, we pose a new question at the center of our production: What if the only way for a woman to get ahead is by disguising herself as a man?

For centuries, we have been entertained by stories of women disguising themselves as men. This famous trope has given us multilayered and complex female characters struggling with their own identity, while exploring the male experience. In taking a page from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Blake Edwards’ Victor/Victoria, we bring a new perspective to the complexity, heart, and humor of this musical classic.

Thank you to the cast for bringing such heightened complexity to these roles and for trusting our vision for this story. Your unique perspective on this show has made this performance one of a kind.

Thank you to the How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying SR. creative team. Your enthusiasm for this program, care for the cast, curiosity in the art form, and dedication to this concept has brought life to this show in ways I never imagined. It is a gift to work with such a passionate, supportive, imaginative, and collaborative creative team. Sarah, Kerri, Hannah, Christina, and Kevin: The way you listen, engage, question, support, and create deeply inspires the rest of us to be the best artists we can be.

It is an honor to direct here at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House.

We hope our production of How to Succeed gives you a tune to hum as well as a few questions to ponder.

Vivienne Claire Luthin
Director

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying SR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com